You must start here, even if you've read another of Carl Hiaasen's books.

Skink comes to life in a truly remarkable way. As you begin to read, you'll find yourself completely immersed in the story. The character of Skink is so vividly portrayed that he seems to step right off the page and into your imagination.

His unique personality, filled with quirks and charm, draws you in and keeps you engaged from start to finish. You'll be forever hooked on this wild and wonderful adventure that Carl Hiaasen has crafted.

The story unfolds with a series of exciting events that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll find yourself eagerly turning the pages, desperate to know what happens next.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, adventure, or just great storytelling, Skink is a book that you simply must read. It's a captivating tale that will leave you with a lasting impression and a desire to read more of Carl Hiaasen's work.

This 1989 novel is truly a gem.

It has all the right elements that make it an absolute delight to read.

Not only is it VERY funny, but it also presents a vivid and diverse cast of characters.

There are ignorant tourists, gorgeous babes, and a large-mouth bass fisherman who is VERY corrupt.

These characters must face off against a highly intelligent black State Policeman and a crusading journalist in this classic Carl Hiaasen satire.

If you're new to Hiaasen's works, this is an excellent book to begin with.

It offers a great introduction to his unique writing style and sense of humor.

Moreover, it marks the first appearance of "Skink" in a Hiaasen novel, adding an extra layer of interest and charm.

Overall, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a well-crafted story.

Carl Hiaasen's portrayal makes Florida seem like an incredibly dangerously crazy place.

This 1987 mystery is centered around the world of bass sports fishing. The protagonist, Decker, a former photographer turned private investigator, is hired by a wealthy man to catch his rival, a renowned bass fisherman, cheating. It turns out that most of the big-name bass fishermen cheat in competitive fishing tournaments, and the rich guy has become fixated on a celebrity with his own cable TV show.

However, Decker soon discovers he's been set up, and the plot takes wild twists and turns, involving his ex, a televangelist trying to sell Florida real estate, a group of racist Florida rednecks, a crazy former governor now living as a mad hermit, a black state trooper assigned to the most racist backwaters of the state, a Cuban police detective who has to learn to fish, and a would-be assassin with a rotting pit bull's head clamped onto his arm.

Even Mickey Mouse gets a mention. Surprisingly, the only thing that doesn't appear is alligators.

"Double Whammy" is both entertaining and well-plotted. Despite the zany plot twists, Hiaasen manages to bring it all together, weaving these strange, loony, venal, and oddly noble characters into a story about timeshares, bass fishing, and murder. The fact that Hiaasen knows Florida well and did extensive research on bass fishing makes the details stand out. It's the characters and the twists that truly capture your attention.

Although a bit dated now (written in 1987, as evident by the problems that would be solved by a cell phone today), it's still a good read. I've read two books by Carl Hiaasen, and he has a talent for making Florida sound like the weirdest place on Earth and then inserting an almost-plausible plot into it.

Funny, quirky, and at times, with a touch of gutter humor, this book is truly enjoyable!

Although the author's writing may not be of the caliber to win a Pulitzer Prize, it is still very good. The book is filled with hilarious moments that will make you laugh out loud.

The unique style of the writing, with its combination of humor and quirkiness, keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. It's the kind of book that you can pick up when you're in need of a good laugh and it will surely deliver.

Whether you're a fan of humorous literature or just looking for a lighthearted read, this book is definitely worth checking out. So, go ahead and give it a try, and get ready to be entertained!

The story line of the first book in which the bizarre character of Skink appears is truly captivating.

It revolves around commercial bass fishing tournaments, where some participants engage in cheating to win the huge prizes and the associated prestige.

Skink, with his unique personality, is determined to expose these cheaters, but he does it in his own idiosyncratic way.

The book is an adventure from start to finish. It managed to hold my attention throughout, even though bass fishing isn't exactly my favorite pastime.

There is a whole cast of unusual characters, each adding their own flavor to the story. In addition, there are all kinds of fraud and deception going on.

I have read other books with Skink as a main character, and I have always enjoyed seeing the creation and development of this character.

This particular book was a really fun read, filled with excitement, mystery, and a touch of the unexpected.

It's a book that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good adventure story with a unique cast of characters.

Whether you're a fan of bass fishing or not, this book has something to offer.

It's a great escape into a world of strange characters and thrilling adventures.

So, if you're looking for a new book to read, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!

It truly doesn't get any better than this!!! Double Whammy is right up there among the favorites from the renowned Dan Jenkins. This work is simply outstanding and captivating. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading any of Carl Hiaasen's books, then you had better start right away. You really owe it to yourself to experience the unique and engaging writing style that Hiaasen brings to the table. His stories are filled with excitement, humor, and unforgettable characters. By delving into his works, you will open up a whole new world of literary enjoyment. So don't hesitate any longer. Grab a copy of one of his books and embark on an adventure that you won't soon forget.

There are simply too many dead animals in this story, which is truly disheartening. It feels as if the author is using this as a cheap shock tactic rather than a meaningful plot device.

And then there's the ending. It's so disappointing that it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It seems like the author just gave up and couldn't come up with a better conclusion.

But what really gets on my nerves is the trope of the hypocritical gross televangelist. It's been done to death and is so predictable. Can't we have something new and original for once?

Overall, this story fails to engage me on any level. It's full of tired clichés and lacks any real depth or creativity.

This particular work may not be as uproariously hilarious as some of his subsequent novels.

However, it still manages to be a captivating mystery.

The story is centered around the themes of murder and greed within the context of bass fishing tournaments.

The author skillfully weaves a web of intrigue, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as they try to solve the mystery.

Despite lacking the extreme humor that characterizes his later works, this novel has its own charm and appeal.

The setting of the bass fishing tournaments adds an interesting and unique backdrop to the story, making it stand out from other mysteries.

Overall, it is a good read for those who enjoy a well-crafted mystery with a touch of drama and excitement.

This book is a bit on the gruesome side, and some of the characters don't quite possess the vivid color that I've grown accustomed to seeing in Hiaasen's works. However, it's still a really good read.

The story has a certain allure that kept me eagerly turning the pages until I finally finished it. Despite its flaws, there's something about it that grabs your attention and refuses to let go.

Maybe it's the unique plot or the interesting twists and turns that keep you engaged. Or perhaps it's the author's writing style, which manages to create a sense of mystery and excitement even in the midst of the gruesome details.

Overall, while it may not be Hiaasen's best work, it's still well worth reading for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller. It'll keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

This isn't my typical sort of reading material. However, one of my friends in the book club has a desire to read "Squeeze Me" (the eighth book in the Skink series). So, I got the idea that I should read the first seven books before we reach that point.

R.J. Decker, a former photojournalist who is now a private eye, is assigned a task to investigate cheating in a big bass fishing tournament. But very soon, the cheating escalates to murder, and he finds himself in a situation where he has to seek the assistance of the hermitted redneck Skink to solve the case.

I don't have much interest in fishing or, for that matter, much of anything else in this story. Moreover, all the female characters seem to be included solely for their sex appeal, with nothing else to endear them to the reader.

Nevertheless, the writing itself possesses a dry sense of humor and is quite entertaining. The mystery has enough twists and turns to keep me guessing for a while. And these twists and turns are well-earned, not just randomly thrown in for a thrill. I'm not exactly not looking forward to continuing with the series. I'm hopeful that my major concerns with this book will be resolved as the series progresses.

I'm accustomed to Hiaasen's works being filled with more humor and having less of a scheming nature than what is shown in this particular piece.

Upon reading this, I couldn't help but feel that it was not as enjoyable as a significant number of his other novels.

The lack of the typical lightheartedness and the presence of what seemed to be a more convoluted plot detracted from the overall reading experience.

I had high expectations, given Hiaasen's reputation for creating engaging and entertaining stories, but unfortunately, this one fell short.

Rating it a 4 out of 10 stars, it's clear that this novel didn't quite hit the mark for me compared to his previous literary offerings.

Perhaps it was a departure from his usual style that didn't sit well with my personal preferences.

Nevertheless, I still look forward to seeing what he comes up with in the future, hoping that he'll return to the form that made his other novels so enjoyable.

Delightful in spite of gruesomeness. I truly believe that I just have a penchant for Hiaasen's dark (at times, extremely dark) and outrageous humor. This particular work also brings in Skink, who makes sporadic appearances in other Hiaasen books before eventually getting his own YA series. How could one not be charmed by Skink? And how could anyone not love a book that transforms bass fishing contests into a brutally intense, high-stakes, murderous page-turner? It's a book that has you laughing uncontrollably even as it simultaneously grosses you out. The combination of these elements creates a unique reading experience that is both captivating and entertaining. Hiaasen's ability to blend the macabre with humor is truly remarkable, and it keeps readers coming back for more. Whether you're a fan of his previous works or new to his writing, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.